BY: Marci Bryant
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce women with careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics make 33% more than their counterparts in other fields. In spite of the increased income opportunities, women only account for a mere 25% of the STEM workforce.
As a woman who has a successful STEM career, I constantly contribute to the success of other girls and women who are interested in the industry. For years I have mentored young ladies through after school programs and internships.
Here are some of the resources I was exposed to growing up that contributed to my professional development in the STEM industry.
- Immerse STEM into everyday life at a young age. We start imagining what we want to be when they grow up as early as elementary school, and often our favorite hobbies can be the catalyst for what we decide. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are all part of everyday life and the curiosity of basic learning can become the stepping stones to a STEM career. Simple activities with toddlers such as learning shapes, taking trips to the zoo, playing with legos and even playing learning games can be hobbies that become careers such as architecture, veterinary medicine, engineering and software design.
- Make a big deal out of science projects. One of the best opportunities for young people to practice STEM is through science projects. From project selection through application of the scientific method, there are many elements of STEM that can be practiced. The subject is always science based. Technology is often used to document the experiment. Constructing the space for the project usually requires design thinking reminiscent of engineering. The conclusion is usually based on results that are rooted in mathematics from analyzing hypothesis versus result.
- Consider STEM community and after-school programs as early as middle school. There are many after school programs and schools with STEM-focused curriculum to prepare students for college studies in STEM fields. An engineering program in middle school taught me how to build electronic items turned into an interest in engineering. I also spent several years as an afterschool facilitator for science, engineering and forensics programming. My ability to understand engineering concepts and turn technical requirements into marketing materials and corporate documents are the foundation of my career.
- Enroll your student in a STEM-based high school. College curriculums for STEM careers often involve challenging courses that require many hours of study in order to achieve academic success. For students that consider their career interests before they begin their college years, a STEM-based high school curriculum can provide a great preview for the skills, focus and discipline that students will need to become STEM professionals.
- Integrate creativity with technology to introduce artistic students to STEM careers. Although I did not study a STEM-related curriculum in college, I was able to enter the STEM industry as a STEAM expert. STEM industries require a mastering of hard skills (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). The industries and associated careers are very precise and factual. The exclusive focus on hard skills can leave a lack of soft skills that impacts business growth and customer satisfaction. Skills such as design, communication, and training are necessary soft skills in STEM environments as the world is becoming increasingly digital.
Engineering, manufacturing, construction, architecture, agriculture, health, finance, technology, telecommunications, automotive, eCommerce, and SaaS companies are just some of the STEM industries that can be explored. Companies in these industries are among the highest paying for professionals of many backgrounds. Competitive benefits such as remote work, unlimited PTO, profit sharing, signing bonuses, company cars, and more make STEM careers a lucrative and appealing option.
Marci Bryant, MBA is a Digital Marketer and CX Strategist, corporate trainer, speaker, and Amazon best-selling author. Learn more at www.marcibryant.com.